Ohio State Names 2010 Team Captains

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Coming off a 42-win season that included a Big Ten championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament, the Ohio State baseball team announced its 2010 captains at its Scarlet and Gray World Series victory dinner Tuesday evening. Seniors Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley were each voted captains by their peers.

Cory Kovanda (left) and Zach Hurley (right)

“Two quality young men dominated in the captains voting,” coach Bob Todd said. “There really was no question who the team wanted to be captains this year.”

Kovanda, a second baseman from Columbus, has started at second base each of his first three years at Ohio State and hit .341 with 11 doubles and 38 RBI in 2009.

“I’m honored,” Kovanda said. “This team and its chemistry…you cannot ask for more of an honor than to be representing this team. I’m ready to contribute what I can and to lead.”

Hurley, an outfielder from Springboro, Ohio, batted .346 with 12 doubles and led the team with 14 stolen bases his junior season. He was drafted in the 45th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft in June but opted to return to Columbus for his senior year.

“This is such a privilege to be chosen captain,” Hurley said. “This has been a goal of mine since I came here and I am really at a loss for words right now. It is really awesome that your teammates think that much of you. It’s the highest honor you can get.”

In addition, freshman right-handed pitcher Brett McKinney was named rookie captain of the 2009 squad.

Full team practices for the Buckeyes will begin Feb. 1 with the first game slated for Feb. 19 at North Florida.